Now the Hour of Worship O'er

Now the Hour of Worship O'er is a hymn text by Johann Heermann (1630) in L.M. meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in CW93 330, tlh 45. Sung to WAREHAM.

This hymn theologically emphasizes God's constant providence and protection as worshipers depart from corporate worship to resume daily vocations. It reflects Lutheran confidence in God's guiding presence in all circumstances of life.

History & Background

Written by Johann Heermann in early 17th century Germany as a closing hymn for worship services. Translated into English by Catherine Winkworth and published in her collection of German hymn translations in 1863.

Hymnal Appearances

• Christian Worship — 330
• The Lutheran Hymnal — 45

Translation

Catherine Winkworth

Bulletin Note

Written by Johann Heermann in 1630, this closing hymn anchors the Lutheran conviction that God's providence covers all of life, not only sacred space—transforming daily work into vocational service.

Preaching Connection

This hymn answers the Gospel's promise with doxology: if Christ is raised and reigns, then believers need never fear the threshold between sanctuary and street—a truth that liberates us from both false security and despair.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's compassionate presence amid human suffering and social chaos, calling the Church to incarnational witness and mercy

Overview

A closing hymn by Hartmann Schenck, a Thuringian pastor, long sung in German Lutheran churches at the end of the service. Worship is over — teaching, hearing, praying, singing — and we thank God for his Word and 'the rich repast he gave us' (st. 1); the Benediction has cheered us; we depart joyfully, commended to God (st. 2); and we ask God to bless our going out and coming in, our bread, work, rest and pleasure, and at last to bless us at death with immortal life (st. 3).

Central theme: Departing from worship with thanks for Word and Sacrament, carrying God's blessing into all of life and death

Structure

Three six-line stanzas (7.8.7.8.8.8). Thanks for the service (1) — the Benediction (2) — blessing on all of life (3).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel: God 'deigned to save us'; the Blessing 'by His grace to us extended' (1-2).

Confessional Connections

'Teaching, hearing, praying, singing' — the elements of the Divine Service. 'The rich repast He gave us' — Word and, where celebrated, the Lord's Supper (AC XXIV). The Benediction is not a pious wish but God's actual blessing, putting his name on his people (Num 6:27). Blessing on 'our bread… our toil, our rest' — vocation and the Fourth Petition (SC). Ps 121:8 (TLH's text): 'The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in.'

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

Closing hymn of the Divine Service; after the Benediction.

Historical Notes

Schenck (1634-1681) was a pastor in Thuringia; the hymn appeared in 1680. Oscar Kaiser translated st. 3 for TLH (1938).

About the Tune

LIEBSTER JESU, WIR SIND HIER (Johann R. Ahle, 1664).

Scripture References

Ps 121:8 Ps 100:4 Acts 2:42 Luke 24:30-32 Num 6:24-27 2 Cor 13:14 Luke 24:50-53 Deut 28:6 Matt 6:11 Ps 127:1-2 Ps 23:4-6 Rev 14:13

Stanza by Stanza

Themes

dismissal and blessing God's protection daily living trust in God's care

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "Now the Hour of Worship O'er" ↗
• Search IMSLP for public-domain scores of "WAREHAM" ↗